ENTERTAINMENT NEWS ARTICLES
LAST UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, AUG. 25, 2010

US Talent Agent Must Pay Pinoy Promoter $1.2 Million for Concert No-Show
Aug. 25, 2010

A Stamford, Connecticut talent agent who falsely promised to produce Justin Timberlake for a concert in the Philippines will have to pay the concert promoter he duped.

Arnold Vegafria, president of ALV Events International, paid Kofi Degraft-Johnson $437,500 for Timberlake to appear at a a concert in Manila in 2008, but Timberlake never showed. The megastar didn't appear, because it turned out Degraft-Johnson had no authority to schedule JT for concerts or appearances.

Vegafria filed a lawsuit against Degraft-Johnson in Bridgeport federal court in March. Vegafria's attorney, Russell Green, said his client spent a lot of money to promote the concert, and ended up with a lot of disappointed and angry fans.

U.S. District Court Judge Stefan Underhill on Friday ordered Degraft-Johnson to pay nearly $1.2 million to Vegafria's company, ALV.

Degraft-Johnson, who hasn't been charged criminally in the case, never responded to the federal lawsuit.—NBC

Arnold Vegafria, 40, is a well-known concert promoter and talent agent in the Philippines. He handles the careers of Jay-R, Ivy Villania, and many others.

Maria Venus Raj is fourth runner-up in Miss Universe 2010; Mexico takes the crown
by Erwin Santiago
Philippine Entertainment Portal, Aug. 24, 2010

Maria Venus Raj of the Philippines was named 4th runner-up during the Miss Universe 2010 held August 24 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Jimena Navarrete, 22, of Mexico was crowned Miss Universe. This is the second time that Mexico took home the crown; the first time was in 1991 when Lupita Jones won. Incidentally, it was also in Las Vegas where Jones won her crown.

First runner-up was Yendi Phillipps, 24, of Jamaica; second runner-up was Jesinta Campbell, 19, of Australia; and third runner-up was Anna Poslavska, 23, of Ukraine.

Venus, 22, narrowly made it into the Top 5 when she ranked fifth overall in the Long Gown competition with an average score of 8.714. Mexico led with 8.913; followed by Jamaica (8.884), Australia (8.841), and Ukraine (8.743).

The eliminated candidates scored as follows: Albania (8.693), Ireland (8.548), South Africa (8.420), Guatemala (8.286), and Puerto Rico (7.971).

The Top 10 who competed in the Long Gown competition are: Ireland, Albania, Philippines, Jamaica, Mexico, Ukraine, Puerto Rico, South Africa, Guatemala, and Australia.

In the Swimsuit Competition, Venus ranked third with an average score 8.957 from the judges, behind Jamaica's 9.426 and Mexico's 9.265. This enabled Venus to enter the Top 10, along with the candidates from Ireland (8.784), Australia (8.543), Puerto Rico (8.415), Ukraine (8.333), South Africa (8.229), Albania (8.229), and Guatemala (8.071).

The eliminated candidates scored as follows: Colombia (7.643), Russia (7.843), France (7.586), Belgium (7.571), and Czech Republic (7.429).

The Top 15 who competed in the Swimsuit competition are: Puerto Rico, Ukraine, Mexico, Belgium, Ireland, South Africa, France, Australia, Jamaica, Russia, Albania, Colombia, Guatemala, Czech Republic, and the Philippines.

In the question-and-answer portion, Venus was asked by Hollywood actor William Baldwin (brother of 30 Rock's Alec Baldwin) what was the biggest mistake in her life and what did she do to fix it. Venus answered, "You know what, sir, in my 22 years of existence, I can say that there's nothing major major problem that I've done in my life because I'm very confident with my family, with the love that they are giving to me. So thank you so much that I'm here. Thank you, thank you so much!"

The Philippines last won the Miss Universe title way back in 1973 when Margie Moran took the title. But the first Filipina to win the crown was Gloria Diaz in 1969.

Prior to Venus' fifth-place finish, the last time the Philippines placed in the Miss Universe was in 1999 when Mirian Quiambao was named first runner-up.

Venus' road to Miss Universe was not an easy one.

After winning as Bb. Pilipinas-Universe on March 6, 2010, she was dethroned by the Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI) because of "inconsistencies in her birth records." But the decision was reversed on April 10, 2010 and Venus, who was born in Doha, Qatar, was reinstated as the country's representative to the Miss Universe.

Three days before the Miss Universe pageant, Venus lost a very close friend. Bb. Pilipinas-International 2009 Melody Gersbach was killed in a vehicular accident in Camarines Sur. It was actually Melody who convinced Venus to join Binibining Pilipinas.

Venus, who hails from Bato, Camarines Sur, is a veteran of beauty pageants. She first won the title Miss Bicolandia in 1997. The following year, 2008, Venus was named Miss Earth Philippines Eco-Tourism. This year, she won Bb. Pilipinas-Universe.

Vicki Belo faces boycott over Charice's Botox procedure
abs-cbnNEWS.com
8/16/2010

MANILA, Philippines – A political activist called for a national boycott of all Belo Medical Clinics, Flawless Clinics and Belo beauty products following the much talked about cosmetic procedures done on singing sensation Charice.

Laywer Argee Guevarra said cosmetic surgeon Vicki Belo should be denounced for doing thermage and Botox procedures on the 18-year-old star.

“All Filipinos should be outraged at Belo’s medical irresponsibility after she recommended a Thermage to Miss Charice Pempengco: that her naturally-round face is not acceptable to the world. This is the height of Dr. Belo’s blatant insult to the Filipinos who have been struggling to fight discrimination here and abroad,” Guevarra said.

Guevarra described the procedures as “medical quackery at its ugliest” as he argued that there was no need for Charice to undergo thermage and Botox.

He also slammed Belo for purportedly having no sufficient training to perform and administer the procedures.

“Dr. Belo is neither a duly-certified surgeon recognized by the Philippine College of Surgeons nor a duly-certified member of the Philippine Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Heck, Belo is not even a member of the Philippine Dermatological Society. So, what business is she pontificating on anything that has anything to do with plastic surgery procedures?” Guevarra said.

The lawyer said he is also going to ask Congress to start an inquiry on how non-qualified and non-certified medical practitioners can wantonly practice and promote themselves as cosmetic surgeons.

“This field of medical practice must be appropriately regulated by the State either through remedial legislation. I also call on the Philippine Regulations Commission through the Board of Medicine to strictly enforce its Code of Ethics which Dr. Belo flouts with utmost impunity,” he added.

The botox injection done on Charice was in preparation for her entry to the top-rating American show “Glee.” The news generated strong reactions all over the world. Many said Charice is too young to undergo cosmetic enhancement.

Charice’s camp has clarified that the procedures were done to ease the singer from her muscle pain.

Guevarra is facing libel suits from Belo. It stemmed from his Facebook shoutouts against the celebrity doctor.

'More circumspect'

In a statement, the Belo Medical Group slammed the lawyer for issuing “false and baseless statements.” It added that Guevarra “should be more circumspect in making such defamatory remarks.”

The Belo Medical Group also denied his accusations against the Belo companies.

“The Belo companies, including their doctors, strictly comply with all government-issued rules and regulations. As an example of the falsity of Atty. Guevarra’s claims, it only shows how ignorant he is to call botox a plastic surgery procedure, when it’s just a non-invasive injection,” it said in a statement.

It also listed Belo’s affiliations with different organizations. It said Belo is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, the International Society of Cosmetic Laser Surgeons and the American Society of Lipoplastic Surgery.

“Being a lawyer, Atty. Guevarra should know that if he has legitimate grievances, then he must air them in the appropriate forum rather than in the media,” it said.

The group said it will file appropriate actions, including civil and criminal charges, against Guevarra “for disseminating these malicious lies against us.”

Teenage singer Charice Pempengco gets Botox for ‘Glee’ debut
Associated Press, July 19, 2010

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino teenage singer Charice Pempengco says she prepared for her debut on the hit TV show "Glee" by getting Botox and an anti-aging procedure "to look fresh on camera."

The 18-year-old Charice, whose singing career rocketed after appearing on Ellen DeGeneres’ and Oprah Winfrey’s talk shows, underwent a 30-minute Thermage skin-tightening procedure and Botox to make her "naturally round face" more narrow, celebrity cosmetic surgeon Vicki Belo told ABS-CBN television.

Charice, in the same interview, said last week’s face makeover was part of her big preparations for her appearance on the hit show’s second season. She starts filming at the end of this month.

"All people will be anticipating how will Charice look? Is she good enough to pit against Rachel Berry? So of course there is tremendous pressure," Charice said. Berry is portrayed by Lea Michele, who is 23.

In an earlier TV interview, Charice said she auditioned for "Glee" in mid-June in Los Angeles and was thankful to have been accepted.

"It’s really a blessing," she said, adding she was "very proud to be an Asian, very proud to be Filipino."

On the streets of Manila on Monday, some residents who follow Charice had mixed feelings about what she did with her face.

"I think it’s OK for women to have procedures done, but Charice is too young. Does she need it?" said Patricia Carpio, a 21-year-old student.

For Myrna Lumanao, a 23-year-old seller in a doughnut stall, looking natural is better. "I guess she can afford to have those procedures done because she has the money, but I wish she did not change her looks."

Dr. Malcolm Roth, president of New York’s Society of Plastic Surgeons and director of plastic surgery at Maimonides Medical Center in New York said he wasn’t sure how someone so young could benefit from Botox.

"You would think that the makeup people could take care of (any wrinkles she might have) or that they could take care of it in post-production," he said.

But Roth said there might be some benefits for on-camera teens in Hollywood. "Some people do have hyper-active muscles and muscles are what create the wrinkles in certain types of expressions. ... It may be of some benefit for the camera, but I would be reticent to consider Botox for a normal 18-year-old."

Born Charmaine Clarice Relucio Pempengco and raised with her brother by a single mother, she sang in local contests and appeared on TV talent shows in the Philippines and South Korea before she got a big break on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" at age 15.

She later appeared several times on the "Oprah Winfrey Show" and credits Winfrey for helping push her career.

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Charice's botox procedure earns worldwide backlash
by Mark Angelo Ching
Philippine Entertainmennt Portal, July 22, 2010

Proof of Charice's surging popularity is the international backlash that the celebrated Pinay singer received after she underwent a botox procedure last Saturday, July 17. Five days later, the Internet is still abuzz with criticisms against Charice for deciding go under the needle at such a young age.

Filipinos have kept close watch on the 18-year-old Charice's rise to fame. She has guested in countless foreign television shows, has had duets with acclaimed international singers, and will soon star in the next season of the hit American television series Glee.

That Charice is one of the few Pinoys who has reached international success makes her kababayans protective. Generally, Filipinos are prejudiced against any form of cosmetic surgery, so the backlash against her botox procedure seems neverending.

The media was invited to witness the botox procedure live, conducted by celebrity beauty doctor Vicki Belo in her Tomas Morato clinic. In an interview after the procedure, Charice said she had the procedure to prepare for her appearance in Glee. (CLICK HERE to read related story.)

Not soon after, the foreign media got wind of the story. Major news outlets in the United States, Australia, Korea, and other countries immediately picked up the news and wrote about it.

The feedback was mostly negative. New York magazine, for instance, said on July 19 that the young would-be Hollywood actress "missed" Glee's message.

The short post from New York read, "Filipina singer Charice, dubbed by Oprah the 'Most Talented Girl in the World,' is scheduled to appear on the upcoming season of Glee as a foreign-exchange student and rival to Lea Michele's Rachel Berry. To prepare, the 18-year-old has gotten Botox and an anti-aging procedure 'to look fresh on camera.' A 'celebrity cosmetic surgeon' said the operation was intended to make Charice's 'naturally round face' more narrow, all but forcing Glee creator Ryan Murphy to rewrite Charice's episode to contain the message: It's important to love and embrace one's naturally round face as it is."

Also on July 19, Hollywood's "most-hated" blogger Perez Hilton also called Charice's decision "SICK!!!"

"And she's 18!!! Just a little too young to start that shiz! Who the eff would do that to an effing teenager in good conscience?!" Hilton, or Mario Lavandeira in real life, added.

TWITTER POSTS. On July 20, news of Charice's botox procedure became the sixth most talked-about topic on Twitter. Majority of the Twitter posts that culminated the ranking expressed disappointment over Charice's decision.

Among them is the opinion of former APO Hiking Society member Jim Paredes (@jimparedes), who tweeted on July 20, "Kinda disturbed that charice is getting a face job. Don't go changing to try and plea(s)e glee. We love you just the way you are."

More than 300 Twitter users agreed with Jim's comment by re-posting it.

Other Twitter users have several opinions. Today, July 22, Jeanne Peh (@jeanpeh) from Singapore tweeted, ":Sigh...the young n talented Charice juz got Botox to narrow her rounded face."

Reny Suwarna (@yoreney) from Indonesia also tweeted today, "somehow i never really like this charice girl. and now to hear she had a botox done just cos she's gonna be on glee? blah. silly girl."

Eula Schofield (@mizzuschief) from Alaska in the United States tweeted today, "Charice should let her handlers know what she's doing. Hopefully she won't get pulled out of Glee coz of this botox fiasco!"

And, of course, Filipinos know how to turn the issue into a joke. Twitter user @borjeous from Quezon City tweeted today, "3 things i want noynoy to discuss at the SONA: storm readiness, water shortage in metro manila & charice's use of botox: (for or against?)"

BLAMING BELO. Many also blamed Dra. Vicki Belo for applying the procedure on the 18-year-old girl.

Danielle Bleza (@daniesaur) tweeted on July 21, "CHARICE: what Oprah spent years building, Vicki Belo destroyed with a single botox procedure!"

Cesar de los Reyes (@Tito_Ces) tweeted on the same day, "Poor Charice the botox issue caused her a lot of unwanted brouhaha here and abroad but earned Belo better media mileage.Whose idea was it?"

Similarly, Anwar Lidasan Malon from Dubai tweeted on the same day, "Been reading and evaluating the commentaries on the botox issue of charice..my verdict: BELO shud be blamed on!!! Boycot BELO!!!!!!!"

DEFENSE. Defense for Charice's decision also poured in. Hours after the start of the backlash, Charice's rep in the U.S. told Us magazine that the point of the procedure was "to relieve a jaw problem similar to TMJ [Temporomandibular Joint disorder]."

The rep told Us magazine, "It did not hurt; it relieved the pain," Charice's rep tells Us. "You've seen her face—she doesn't have a wrinkle in it so she wouldn't need it for cosmetic purposes. The Glee people are thrilled with the way she looks which is why she got the part."

Charice's mother Mommy Racquel (@Mommy Raqz) also tweeted in her daughter's defense. Since her Twitter account is set to private, PEP cannot publish her comment.

ABS-CBN news anchor Karen Davila (@Karen_Davila) posted a clarification on "botox" last Tuesday, July 20. "And guys, "botox" is not retoke, people have "botox" for their TMJ (jaw disalignment), sweaty palms, sweaty armpits...marami! serious :)" she told Twitter.

TV host and actress Phoemela Barranda also tweeted that she had been undergoing the same procedure for three years now. "Belo has been doing botox on my jaw to kill the muscles. It relieves pain for people who has TMJ and makes my face smaller for TV."

GETTING SIDES. PEP sent questions to Charice's camp to get their side on the backlash.

Grace Mendoza, Charice's local rep, told PEP: "Wala muna kaming statement para hindi na lumaki [ang issue]."

PEP also tried to contact Dra. Vicki Belo, but there is still no reply as of press time.

In a previous interview, Belo told PEP the procedure was just corrective.

"Ang ginagawa lang kasi ni Charice dito is facial. Pero napansin ko nga medyo lumalaki ang mukha niya compared to her face three years ago, it's bigger now. And that's because mahilig siyang mag-chew ng chewing gums. Yung chewing muscles natin dito sa side [ng face], nagiging strong siya. Parang yung muscles natin na kunwari gusto mong magpalaki ng katawan, mag-workout ka. So, parang ganun ang nangyayari. Ang remedy doon is to botox the muscles so that it will relax and magiging flat na siya. Kaya liliit ang mukha niya," she said.

PEP is open to statements from any of the camps mentioned in this article, should they decide to air their side in the future.

Was Lani's Las vegas show cancelled?
FUNFARE By Ricardo F. Lo - Curtain-raisers:
Philippine Star, July 17, 2010

• Here’s an “official statement” (in the vernacular) from ABS-CBN, sent to Funfare by Bong Osorio, head of the network’s Corporate Communications: Ang mga lumalabas na bali-balita tungkol kay Willie Revillame (photo) at sa Wowowee ay mga espekulasyon, Nag-usap na ang ABS-CBN management at si Willie kung ano ang options o mga posibleng gagawin pagkatapos ng kanyang break. Wala pang napagkakasunduan ang ABS-CBN at si Willie. Kung mayroon mang pagbabagong magaganap, ito’y opisyal na ipapahayag ng ABS-CBN sa takdang panahon. (Note: In television as in any competitive field, there’s a game called “one-upmanship” usually played with cards held close to the chest and where players don’t telegraph their punches. Funfare might have a little “surprise” for Mr. Osorio but, to quote his statement, “ipapahayag lang ‘yon sa takdang panahon.”)

* * *

A Funfare reader wrote to inquire if Lani Misalucha’s show Voices at the Hilton in Las Vegas has been cancelled.

“We went to Las Vegas over the July 4th weekend to see the much raved-about Voices,” wrote the reader who didn’t give his/her name. “We were surprised to hear that the show was cancelled for one week and we ended up seeing Barry Manilow who did an equally excellent show. What really happened?”

To verify, I alerted Funfare’s Big Apple correspondent Edmund Silvestre (of The Filipino Reporter).

“Lani’s highly-acclaimed Voices act at Las Vegas Hilton ended its run in June after she decided not to renew her year-long contract with the show’s producer, Giordano World Entertainment, which directly negotiates with the Hilton,” wrote Edmund after he talked to Noli Bayot, Lani’s husband who acts as her manager. “She’s now setting her sight on one of three major casino hotels in the Las Vegas Strip that are offering their more sizeable theaters to her.”

According to Noli, he and Lani opted not to sign up with Giordano after it fell short of meeting the terms they laid out.

“Lani didn’t like the terms being offered to her in the new contract,” Noli said flatly. “Aside from the issue of wages, Lani’s request to revamp the show and give it a new packaging was turned down. It had been running for one year kaya dapat lang na ma-improve or maiba naman. Lani’s contract was supposed to end in April but she continued performing until June while the negotiation was going on. When we realized it was getting no where, we decided to just give it up. But actually, naka-hang pa rin ang negotiation kung tutuusin. But Giordano and Hilton have given us the clearance to move to other venues.”

Noli would not identify the casinos that are trying to lure Lani other than saying they’re all much bigger than the Hilton.

“Baka ma-preempt kaya huwag na muna sabihin,” Edmund quoted Noli as saying.

But if and when she moves to another casino hotel, it will be a whole new show Noli describes as “high tech.” He declined to give details, saying the concept of Lani’s next Vegas act will remain a secret “until everything is finalized.”

“If an agreement is reached, the new show will take months to create because of its high-tech concept,” he explained. “Lani started with Bally’s, then Flamingo, then Hilton. The next casino will be her fourth, kaya sanay na rin kami to move from one venue to another and this is not something unusual in this kind of business.”

While negotiating for her next regular Vegas gig — where Lani is known as the Siren of the Strip, who constantly draws rave reviews and praises from both the critics and casino guests and tourists — Lani will have her hands full with an upcoming concert tour in several key cities in the US and Canada, as well as the Philippines.

The seven-month tour is set to begin end of July in Arizona, followed by California and Hawaii first week of August, and so on. The act will be brought to select cities in the Philippines by January and February 2011 in a “Crossover” tour, according to Noli.

In the middle of the US-Canada tour, around October, Lani will be joined by Vice Ganda, one of today’s hottest comedians and performers in the Philippines.

Said Edmund who is up-to-date on showbiz goings-on in the Philippines, “Like Lani, Vice is also a certified crowd drawer having been able to fill the Araneta Coliseum recently in a sold-out show.”

Meanwhile, added Edmund, Lani has just signed up to host later this year a weekly talk show for V Asian TV, a television portal for global Asians which showcases pop culture and music. [V in V Asian TV stands for Vegas.]

The show will be aired worldwide on IPTV and will be carried by a local network and a cable channel. Noli said that Lani is committed to do 13 weeks of initial episodes that will feature notable Vegas personalities, from stage performers to famous chefs and magicians.

Shooting for the said talk show will begin later this year in between Lani’s US-Canada tour.

“This will definitely be a busy year for Lani, as negotiations for her next Vegas gig continue,” assured Noli.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the real score about Lani Misalucha.

(Note: At presstime, Funfare learned that Lani and Noli flew in a few days ago to perform at the birthday celebration of PLDT/TV5 big boss Manny V. Pangilinan. In tomorrow’s (July 18) awards night for the 2010 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival, starting at 7 p.m., at the CCP Main Theater, Lani is among the performers, together with Ogie Alcasid, Dingdong Avanzado and Christian Bautista with the Ballet Philippines and Tanghalang Pilipino. The theme of the event, directed by GB Sampedro and hosted by Cogie Domingo and Iza Calzado, is The World is Looking at Us.)

Pinoy immigrant wows 'America’s Got Talent'
by Rowena Joy A. Sanchez
Manila Bulletin, July 1, 2010

Here’s another Filipino who surely has “got [the] talent”: Luigi Seno.

The 20-year-old Cebu native proved so when he performed on “America’s Got Talent” in Chicago on Wednesday, June 30, for the talent search’s final leg of auditions. Looking like a “shy, young kid” when he walked on stage, Luigi transcended the impression with his laid-back but mesmerizing version of Maroon 5's "Sunday Morning" done ala-“American Idol” finalist Andrew Garcia.

“The ladies love him!” exclaimed show host Nick Cannon to Luigi’s proud yet nervous parents backstage.

Even the judges were all praises for the guitar-totting musician after his much-applauded performance.

“You are truly a great entertainer and if you had an album out right now I would be listening to you in my car,” said Howie Mandel.

Sharon Osbourne, on the other hand, commended Luigi’s “cool, relaxed style” -- "fantastic, she said-- while Piers Morgan believes the Pinoy's charm could be his ticket to a promising career ahead.

“It’s not just that you are a good guitar player, although you’re a very comfortable singer and a good singer. It’s the fact that you’ve got this charm about you, which I think is gonna go a long way,” Piers said.

As expected, each of the three judges gave him two thumbs up.

It was only eight years ago when Luigi and his family moved from Guizo, Mandaue in Cebu to Highland, California to chase the “American Dream,” according to his website www.luigiseno.com.

“They brought me here to get a better life because it was really tough back in the Philippines,” he confessed during his audition interview.

Music runs in Luigi’s blood. His mother is a music director and church pianist, and his sister Mary sings, too [whose covers he has uploaded on his site]. According to his formspring account, Luigi only began singing and playing the guitar two years ago.

Apart from being a Music major at San Bernardino Valley College, Luigi currently works part-time at a shipping company.

Unlike many contestants who join competitions in chase of self-serving dreams, Luigi tried his luck on “AGT” because he wants to give back to his family.

“It’s for my family in the Philippines whom I haven’t seen in a while. It’s been eight years,” said the young Cebuano when Nick asked what the opportunity meant to him.

Luigi’s wish may simply be to reconnect with his Filipino relatives, but Howie predicts that destiny has something more in store for the young crooner.

“We’re gonna hear more,” the judge said.

Charice joins ‘Glee’ for real
by Rowena Joy A. Sanchez
Manila Bulletin, June 22, 2010

Filipina international singing sensation Charice will join the cast of the US musical series "Glee" next season.

Charice announced so via her Twitter account on June 22. “It's official. I'm on Glee (next season)…” read her post.

The singer clarified, though, that “when d rumor came out, it wasn't true. But then after that, I tried to audition. And I made it!!! Let's Party!!!!”

Charice, according to Entertainment Weekly, will play the role of a foreign exchange student who will get in the nerves of New Directions’ lead star, Rachel Berry (Lea Michele).

Recall that the “Pyramid” singer got into controversy about a month ago after another local publication reported that Grace Mendoza, Charice’s Philippine manager, confirmed that her ward will be joining the second season of “Glee.”

The petite belter denied the report as soon as it came out.

“I just want to let you all know that it's not true that I'm going to be on Glee... How I wish! Haha,” she tweeted on May 26. Her mother, Racquel, as well as her US manager Marc Johnston, backed Charice’s statement.

However, her publicist Liz Rozenberg did not completely deny the buzz. Instead, Rosenberg intimated in an interview on one of Charice’s fan sites that she might be on “Glee,” but “not at this time.”

Charice’s “Glee” casting rumor fanned out when the 18-year old international star excitedly hinted during her Manila album launch on May 23 that she has a “big surprise” for her fans.

“Meron akong big surprise. Pero hindi ko muna sasabihin ngayon. I’m sure matutuwa kayo. A lot of people are talking about this thing. Very, very happy ako na naging part ako… ng… ng… eto,” were her exact words.

She eventually dropped the “bomb” by saying that her surprise pertains to a “show.”

“Glee” has won numerous awards, including “Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy” at the Golden Globe Awards, Gay People’s Choice Awards, People’s Choice Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards, to name a few.

Its first season attracted six to 13 million viewers when it aired from May 2009 to June 2010. The season finale garnered nearly 11 million viewers, making it the “highest-rated season-ender for all freshman series,” according to Entertainment Weekly.

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It's confirmed! Charice will be part of Glee cast
by Jojo Gabinete
Philippine Entertainment Portal, June 22, 2010

Kinumpirma ng Pinay international singing sensation na si Charice sa kanyang Twitter account na kasali na siya sa cast ng Glee, pero pinanindigan niya na tsismis lamang ang naunang balita na kumalat noong nakaraang buwan.

Ang website ng Entertainment Weekly ang unang naglabas kaninang madaling-araw (June 21, 1:44 p.m. sa U.S.) ng balita tungkol sa pagsali ni Charice sa cast ng sikat na musical-comedy show sa buong mundo.

Sa report ni Michael Ausiello ng Entertainment Weekly, isang foreign exchange student mula sa Pilipinas na may "killer voice" ang gagampanan ni Charice sa Glee. Siya ang magiging mahigpit na karibal ni Rachel, ang role na ginagampanan ni Lea Michele.

Ayon kay Ausiello, "When that rumor began to spread earlier this month via her loose-lipped manager, Charice herself shot it down via Twitter. 'I just want to let you all know, that it's not true that I'm going to be on Glee,'" she said.

"Well, it's true now! Sources confirm to me exclusively that the international pop star is signed, sealed, and delivered to recur next season as a foreign exchange student whose killer vocals get Rachel (Lea Michele) contemplating murder."

Last month, nalagay sa alanganing sitwasyon ang manager ni Charice sa Pilipinas na si Grace Mendoza dahil naglabas ito ng kumpirmasyon na magiging bahagi ng Glee ang kanyang alaga.

Sinabi ni Mendoza sa isang newspaper interview na, "Yes, it's true, Charice will soon join Glee. And not just as a guest, but as part of the cast in a new season."

Ang pahayag ni Mendoza ang muntik nang maging dahilan ng pagkakasira nila ng ina ni Charice.

Lumalabas na totoo ang sinabi ni Mendoza, pero hindi nagustuhan ni Marc Johnston, U.S. handler ni Charice, ang kanyang ginawa dahil na-preempt niya ang official announcement ng mga producer ng Glee, ang 2010 Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series Musical or Comedy.

Three cheers for APO!
By Pocholo Concepcion
Philippine Daily Inquirer, 06/04/2010

OTHER THAN JIM PAREDES’ white hair, Danny Javier’s puffy eyes and Boboy Garrovillo’s paunch, nothing has changed to diminish the ageless quality of an APO Hiking Society concert. That is, even if the Las Vegas-style choreography and uniform costumes made the guys look stiff at times.

But as the group winded down its series of farewell shows with a three-night stand at the Music Museum last weekend, the music brought not so much nostalgia, but a rediscovery of its finest elements.

The APO sound—which had been one of the hallmarks of ’70s and ’80s OPM—connected instantly with listeners because it brought a refreshing Pinoy sensibility while borrowing freely from Western sources.

Early in Thursday’s show, “Blue Jeans,” the theme from a 1981 Regal movie, didn’t lose its relevance while breezing through a ’50s rock ’n’ roll tempo, the lyrics echoing many a college kid’s frustration: “Pagkatapos ng iyong paghihirap/’Di ka rin makakahanap ng trabaho.”

Another song, “Panalangin,” fused spirituality and romantic desire with a gospel-R&B vibe, before letting loose in a jazzy vamp.

Perhaps the most brilliant of these musical marriages is “Lumang Tugtugin,” an engaging romp featuring Pinoy folk tunes dancing on a ska-reggae beat.

The gig, while tightly scripted, came off very spontaneous, a legendary APO trait—its propensity for irreverent, off-the-cuff humor. Garrovillo had one of the trio’s countless punch lines: “You’re paying so much money to see us go.”

The jokes, gags and spiels segued into sets of songs representing themes and chapters in APO’s four-decade career.

Javier, lead vocalist and writer of many APO hits, was in fine form, improvising with jazz phrases in “When I Met You,” and inviting empathy in “Tuyo Na’ng Damdamin”—which he prefaced by talking a bit about his two failed marriages.

Though Paredes’ voice quivered and sounded flat on a few lines in his own composition, “Nakapagtataka,” there was much to admire in his energy and enthusiasm all night. His songwriting talent was highlighted in the poignant “Batang-Bata Ka Pa,” which he said he wrote for his eldest daughter.

Not to be outdone, Garrovillo, who often played the smart aleck during spiels, had his own song, “Paano,” given proper recognition by Javier.

Those who watched APO for the first time—recognizable because they were asked by the group to raise their hands—were delighted as the show ran for about three hours.

Mixed age group

Noticeable was the mixed age group of the crowd, signifying that APO’s music has cut across different generations—just as the band’s members that night comprised both veteran (drummer Boyet Pigao, bassist Colby de la Calzada) and relatively younger musicians (guitarist Noel Santiago, and keyboardists JV Villanueva and Ernie Baladiao).

It was a great night to experience, in an intimate setting, superior entertainment that bore insights on growing up, falling in love, and living life with a playful mind.

Just as we remembered friends who learned to play guitar from the easy chords of “Pumapatak Ang Ulan,” we realized that APO is an enduring youth symbol—the barkada who proved that Pinoy pop can be cool.

Three cheers for these guys who keenly captured hip language, whether about loving a two-timer (“Tumawag ka mamaya nandito’ng syota ko …”) or making love without the mush (“Kung gusto mo ay magsigarilyo muna …”).

The show may be over, but the songs will always keep us company.

The sex goddesses of yesteryear
FUNFARE By Ricardo F. Lo
Philippine Star, May 22, 2010

Had the likes of Marian Rivera, Angel Locsin, Katrina Halili, Anne Curtis, Bea Alonzo, Angelica Panganiban and Cristine Reyes been around in the mid-’70s and ’80s, they surely would be sex goddesses of the big screen. Then, when Filipino movies were at their peak, launching nymphets to solo stardom was in vogue.

Think of the sexy stars producer Jesse Ejercito built up.

Alma Moreno in Ligaw na Bulaklak, Lorna Tolentino in Dulce Amor, Ina, Elizabeth Oropesa in Mister Mo, Lover Boy Ko, Chanda Romero in Sa Kagubatan ng Lungsod, Daria Ramirez in Lord, Give Me a Lover, Beth Bautista in Huwag, Bayaw and Amy Austria in Tondo Girl.

Actually, some of those stars were no longer nymphets when they were launched to stardom. But just the same they were packaged as young and desirable. Yes, nymphets.

Except for Alma, Papa Jessie’s Belles — as they were billed — became award-winning actresses. But it must be said that Alma’s acting had improved considerably through the years. Alma is now a Parañaque councilor (who ran for reelection at the May 10 election), married to a mayor from the South, a Muslim.

In 1974, Gloria Diaz (1969 Miss Universe) belatedly entered the movies via Celso Ad. Castillo’s Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa which started the wet look. After her, every nymphet in movietown had to do a wet scene — by the sea or river, batalan, shower room, artesian well. Every place imaginable.

Like Papa Jessie’s Belles, Gloria turned into a fine actress, winning several trophies, the last for Sagrada Familia.

Mother Lily Monteverde had her share of build-up stars going the sexy route, wearing her fabled “magic kamison.”

They included Gina Alajar in Diborsyada, Rio Locsin in Disgrasyada, Cherie Gil in Problem Child, Dina Bonnevie in Katorse, Snooky Serna in Bata Pa Si Sabel and Kristine Garcia in Exploitation.

Yes, the great Gina Alajar wore Mother Lily’s “magic kamison.” This was in the early ’80s when she was already a young wife to Michael de Mesa and mother to Ryan Eigenman.

Of course, there were male sex symbols and matinee idols paired with those nymphets and sex goddesses.

Think of George Estregan, Ricky Belmonte, Ernie Garcia, Vic Vargas, Jimi Melendez, Alfie Anido, Gabby Concepcion, Albert Martinez, Al Tantay and Orestes Ojeda.

Elwood Perez and the late Joey Gosiengfiao directed most of Mother Lily’s movies produced under the Regal banner.

During the ’90s, Filipino movies started to decline. Producers no longer gambled on so-called launching films topbilled by nymphets.

And so these days, such desirable ladies as Marian, Angel, Katrina, Anne, Bea, Angelica and Cristine are cast in melodrama andromantic comedies, in which the sexiest they can go is wear bikinis and engage in kissing scenes with their leading men.

In terms of skin exposure the most daring and baring is Anne, while Angelica is “game” in passionate love scenes. But only up to a point as producers (usually Star Cinema and GMA Films) won’t allow their pictures to be classified “For Adults Only.” Adult films can’t be shown in SM, the biggest theater chain in the country.

Surely, they can’t afford to lose SM theaters.

Of course, Marian, Angel and company are seen on primetime television which took over the popularity of movies.

One can’t help remembering with fondness sex goddesses of yesteryear.

Joey Albert launches CD, shares wish for home country
by Marieton Pacheco
Philippine Asian News Today, May 16, 2010

Singer Joey Albert has been living in Canada for the past 15 years but she still has her home country close to heart. In the recent launch of her new CD “Songs of the Heart” at the Executive Hotel in Coquitlam, Albert proudly shared how she voted in this year’s Overseas Absentee Voting despite being busy with the local release of her CD. Albert cast her ballot the same day she had her CD launching.

“I’m so far away but this is how much I love my country so please naman, sana magtulungan nalang tayo, ” said Albert. Albert also had this wish for the country’s next president.

“I just wish that everybody supports him, not just the people but the rest of the politicians. Tama na, as we’ve seen it hasn’t done anything good, this partisan mentality, enough already,” shared the singer. Albert performed to a full-house at the hotel’s lounge where she sang songs from her latest collection. This is the first time that Albert is launching a CD in Canada after migrating with her family in 1995. Albert says it is also the first time that she’s using other artists’ songs in her album.

“I really took a long time deciding, but the lineup was very beautiful. They’re OPM songs from the 90’s which I never really had the chance to appreciate, but now I do. So even after I left, there were so many OPM songs that were just as beautiful,” said Albert.

The album, produced by Viva Records, features 14 songs. This includes “Forevermore” (Side A), “Kahit Kailan” (South Border), “The Way You Look At Me” (Christian Bautista), “Muntik Na Kitang Minahal” (The CompanY), “Kung Ako Na Lang Sana” (Bituin Escalante, “You’ll Be Safe Here” (Rico Blanco), “Saan Ka Na Kaya Ngayon” (Anna Fegi), “Minsan Pa,” “Stay,” “Kahit Isang Saglit,” “Nasaan Ka Man” (Martin Nievera), “Rainbow,” “I Believe In Dreams” (Janno Gibbs), and “Special Memory.”

With the recent presidential elections in the country, Albert also had this particular Song of the Heart for the Philippines.

Richard Gutierrez docu Planet Philippines wins Bronze World Medal at the 2010 New York Festivals
The Freeman, May 6, 2010

CEBU, Philippines - “Planet Philippines,” a 2009 documentary by GMA News and Public Affairs hosted by actor Richard Gutierrez, nabbed the Bronze World Medal for Environment and Ecology at the recently-concluded 2010 New York Festivals Television and Film Awards.

The actor and environment advocate, along with "Planet Philippines" Program Manager Ella Evangelista-Martelino, flew to New York to attend the ceremonies at the American Airlines Theater in Manhattan.

“It is my first time to attend such a prestigious gathering of international journalists and artists," shares Richard. “I am honored to be here.”

“Our film was not about poverty or armed conflict or calamity. Instead it highlighted the uniqueness and the wealth of our natural resources,” says Ella Evangelista-Martelino. “We are grateful we got to show the world another side of the Philippines; this recognition from peers from across the globe is but a sweet bonus.”

More Than 30 Competing Countries

Entries from more than 30 countries were reviewed by media professionals and critics. “The NY Festivals is the first and only international awards competition that uses the internet in its judging process,” says its festival director Rose Anderson. “It is the high quality of the entries which gives the competition its value.”

“We were up against tough competition from other countries. Some of the entries for our category were obviously produced over a longer period of time, with bigger budgets,” says Martelino, who was part of this year's jury. A jury member abstains from judging works from its own company.

"Planet Philippines" explored some of the more unknown territories in the country, which is one of the world's most biologically diverse locations, with almost half of its 15,000 species of flora and fauna considered endemic. Employing high-definition cameras, the docu captured vivid colors and sounds of terrestrial and marine life.

Hotspot and Megadiversity Country

For this docu, Richard, who is also a Greenpeace Philippines member, visited a number of Philippine provinces, traveling from Isabela in Northern Luzon to Tarragona town, Davao Oriental in Mindanao, and even diving with the rarely seen thresher sharks off Malapascua Island in Cebu.

This is not the first time that Richard has engaged in this kind of project, having had his previous share of adventures and explorations after hosting environment-themed programs like GMA’s "Full Force Nature" and the network’s first-ever documentary on global warming, "Signos."

According to Conservation International, "The [Philippines] is one of the few nations that is, in its entirety, both a hotspot and a megadiversity country, placing it among the top priority hotspots for global conservation."

“Production was physically challenging and the team took a lot of training and preparation. But the footage we got was well worth every bruise and scratch,” says executive producer Angeli Guidaya-Atienza. “The documentary proved that the Philippines is an amazing piece of the planet.”

Richard Gutierrez Wows Fans in Woodside Queens, New York

Richard Gutierrez visited his fans in the Queens, New York area at a very successful Meet and Greet held in Woodside last May 4, 2010. Richard enthusiastically signed and took pictures with each and every fan that attended the event. The night was ended with a press conference that dealt with Richard's win of the Bronze Award at the recently concluded NY Festivals TV and Film Awards for his environmental documentary "Planet Philippines." He also announced that he will be hosting the soon to premiere GMA Pinoy TV's "Survivor Philippines" and will be in LA, California this month to shoot some scenes for a GMA Film project entitled "In Your Eyes" with Claudine Barretto and Anne Curtis. Richard Gutierrez, is one of the top stars of GMA Pinoy TV starring in successful TV Novelas like Zorro, Captain Barbell, Full House and Mulawin.

Hollywood discovers new Filipina star
Los Angeles, April 24, 2010
Media contact: Mark Bridges
markbridgespr@gmail.com

Filipina actress Ria Mae Flores co-stars in the new Sci-Fi thriller Atlantis Down along with Hollywood star Michael Rooker (Days of Thunder, Mississippi Burning, Bone Collector, The 6th Day, Cliffhanger, JFK, Jumper), Greg Travis (Starship Troopers, Watchmen, Showgirls, Man on the Moon), and X-File star Dean Haglund (X-Files, Spectres, The Lone Gunmen).

Flores was born in the Philippines, moved to the US at eleven. She was the youngest recruit through the Philippines Cultural Center in Manila studying dance and theater when she was only 3 years old. Her life was dedicated to the performing arts, so Flores made the move to L.A. two years ago. After countless auditions, her breakthrough arrived in September. Director and Producer Max Bartoli and Executive Producer Ethan Marten were casting their Sci-Fi feature film Atlantis Down both in L.A. and on the East Coast. They were looking for undiscovered talent. Flores’ name was floated past the two motion picture executives. At their request, Flores had her West Coast audition, and the digital files were sent East. The producers viewed Flores’ audition, and liked what they saw.

“We had been looking for a talented Asian actress with a different look for months,” – said Director/Producer Max Bartoli – “we were casting in L.A., and Richmond, VA and all of a sudden this girl came out of nowhere and amazed us. It was one of the best cold auditions I’ve ever seen. What really struck me were her acting instincts. Ethan and I looked at each other knowing we had found the right person for our character”.

“She was a real asset,” says Executive Producer Marten. “Ria’s gift immediately broke through during auditions. She was fresh, energetic, and real.” Marten adds, “Working with her has been an equal pleasure. The demands of this production were not easy on our actors. Producing a sci-fi is never easy, especially when you have to deal with a lot of special effects, CGI and 14-hour shooting days. Ria was marvelous on camera and on set.” Bartoli and Marten agree, The Filipino community can be proud of their soon-to-be breakout star. “This star will shine brightly for many years to come.” Atlantis Down will be premiered in August in L.A.

*******

Atlantis Down: Synopsis

2025 - the Shuttle has been relegated to glorified taxi. On a routine mission shuttle Atlantis encounters bursts of light shutting down its instrumentation leaving it adrift in space with rookie Astronaut Travis Black. The rest of the crew find themselves in the middle of a barren, desert wasteland. Crew members begin dying in bizarre ways. Travis comes to realize that he has been chosen to compete in some sort of galactic chess game.

For more information about Ria Mae Flores visit:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3201087/
http://www.facebook.com/riamaeflores
or call: Mark Bridges 818 386 8093

For more information about Atlantis Down visit:
www.maxamproductions.com
www.atlantisdown.com
Atlantis Down Facebook page

Freehold singer, 10, wins two more titles
By Amy Rosen

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ — It looks like everything is coming up roses for Lianah Sta. Ana, 10, of Freehold Township.

In February, Lianah, who had been performing on stage for less than a year, was chosen to sing during halftime at a New York Knicks basketball game on March 3 at Madison Square Garden for the Kidz Bop Sports Jam Talent Search competition. She was also looking forward to competing in an amateur night event at the famed Apollo Theater in Harlem, N.Y., on April 14.

In true Lianah spirit, the blooming star — who won the first talent show she ever entered and several more after that — came through not once, but two more times when she won first place at both New York venues.

[>>UPDATE!<< Lianah won again at the Apollo on May 5, 2010 andfmoves on to the Top Dog Round which will be held Sept. 1, Watch the video here!]

Both wins were judged by audience response and although everyone who participated was extremely talented, those watching chose Lianah when they heard her sing Eric Carmen’s “All by Myself” at Madison Square Garden and “There’s a Winner in You” by Patti Labelle at the Apollo.

Coincidentally, the close second runnerup in the Kidz Bop Talent Search was another girl who has a lot in common with Lianah, Nina Waga Mojares.

Both girls live in Freehold Township with their parents and a sibling, both earn excellent grades in school and both are proud of their Filipino heritage. Both girls can also sing up a storm and they happen to take music instruction at Music University, Freehold Township.

Lianah is 10 and Nina is 11 and both young prodigies enjoy performing in front of large audiences and have won many of the competitions they have entered. Nina has also won many ballroom dancing competitions.

Despite the fact that they were competing against each other, they bonded and got along like best friends at Madison Square Garden, according to Lianah’s mom, Nailah Sta. Ana. She said Lianah and Nina are both winners. Each girl praised the other’s talents as well.

As the Kidz Bop Sports Jam Talent Search grand prize winner, Lianah will receive the “Be a Kidz Bop Kid for a Day” package, which includes lunch with a Kidz Bop Kid, a personal styling session with the Kidz Bop Kids’ designer and wardrobe stylist (plus a “one-of-a kind all-new rockin’ outfit”), a recording session in the Kidz Bop studio, and a meeting with the Kidz Bop management team, plus a new Zune mobile device.

In addition, Lianah’s winning video is featured on the KIDZBOP.com Internet website.

After winning the “Young Stars of Tomorrow” category at the Apollo, Lianah will have the opportunity to return to that stage on May 5 to compete in the Apollo’s Show Off competition.

When asked how she feels about winning, Lianah said, “It was really exciting. I mean when everybody cheered for me I felt really happy. It was like, ‘Wow, they think I’m good!’ Then when they announced my name I felt … wow! It was just so much to take in!”

Her dad, Nathan Sta. Ana, said, “All in all, we are just so happy for her that she is having fun. We have always told her that win or lose, take it in and move on. As long as she is having fun that is what counts.”

Lianah will also appear on “Spotlight with Della Crews” on News 12 New Jersey (Cablevision channel 12; Comcast channel 62) on Saturday, May 1 at 8 a.m., 1 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.; Sunday, May 2 at 6 a.m., 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. 

Lianah will represent the United States as a member of Team USA in the 2010 World Championships of Performing Arts in Hollywood, Calif., from July 17-25. Anyone who might be interested in sponsoring her can email nana795@verizon.net.

To view Lianah winning at the Apollo, visit http://www.apollotheater.org/artists/liana-santa-ana.htm.

For more videos of Lianah’s past performances, visit www.youtube.com/nanatube795